2025 Hofu Yomiuri Marathon

The 56th Hofu Yomiuri Marathon takes place on Sunday, December 7, 2025, in Hofu, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan. This prestigious marathon event features a certified 42.195 km course that begins at Salt Arena Hofu, passes through Oaza Tajima at the turnaround point, and concludes at Hofu City Sports Center Athletics Stadium. December in Hofu typically experiences cool to cold temperatures ranging from 3–10°C (37–50°F) with occasional rainfall, so participants should prepare with appropriate winter running gear and waterproof equipment. The event attracts serious marathon competitors from across Japan and internationally, as it serves as part of the MGC Series 2025–26 and functions as a national selection trial for major international competitions including the Asian Games Aichi–Nagoya 2026 and the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028. Additionally, the 26th Japan Blind Women's Marathon Championship runs concurrently, making this a comprehensive celebration of marathon running excellence.

What is the race course for the Hofu Yomiuri Marathon?

The marathon follows a certified 42.195 km route that starts at Salt Arena Hofu, extends to Oaza Tajima for the turnaround point, and finishes at Hofu City Sports Center Athletics Stadium. The course is officially certified and designed to meet international standards for marathon racing.

What time does the race start?

The race begins at 10:40 AM on Sunday, December 7, 2025.

What is the time limit for completing the marathon?

Participants must complete the course within 4 hours. The race officially closes at 14:40 (2:40 PM), with gate closings enforced at various points along the course for safety and transportation purposes.

What are the qualification standards for entry?

• →General participants: Marathon time of 4 hours 00 minutes or less, OR Half Marathon time of 1 hour 33 minutes or less
• →Elite Men: Marathon time of 2 hours 30 minutes or less, OR Half Marathon time of 1 hour 10 minutes or less
• →All qualifying times must be certified records from races held between December 1, 2021, and the entry deadline
• →Net time is accepted for qualification purposes

Who is eligible to participate in this marathon?

Participants must be 19 years of age or older on race day and must have achieved a certified race time that meets the qualification standards. Special eligibility categories include Yamaguchi Prefecture residents, Hofu residents, Hometown Tax contributors, and IPC-registered visually impaired runners. Elite men and IPC athletes who meet qualification standards have unlimited entry spots.

What is the entry fee for the marathon?

• →Standard entry fee: 13,000 yen

How many participants can enter the marathon?

The event has a total capacity of 3,500 participants, with allocations varying by division. General entries are limited to 3,000 spots and are awarded through lottery if the number of qualified applicants exceeds capacity. Hometown Tax contributors receive 400 dedicated spots on a first-come basis. Elite men, IPC athletes, and Hofu residents with qualifying times have unlimited entry if they meet qualification standards.

What rules and regulations govern the race?

The marathon is designated as a WA Elite Label Road Race, which means all participants must follow WA (World Athletics) and JAAF (Japan Association of Athletics Federations) rules. Doping tests are conducted under WA regulations. IPC (International Paralympic Committee) athletes follow IPC-specific rules and regulations.

What awards are given to finishers?

• →General and Elite men categories: Top 8 finishers receive awards
• →IPC athletes: Top male and female finishers receive awards

What special events are held concurrently with the marathon?

The 26th Japan Blind Women's Marathon Championship takes place at the same time as the Hofu Yomiuri Marathon, allowing visually impaired female runners to compete in an official national championship event.

What is the significance of this marathon in competitive running?

The Hofu Yomiuri Marathon is part of the MGC Series 2025–26, serving as a G1-level competition for men and a G3-level competition for women. The event functions as a national selection trial for the Asian Games Aichi–Nagoya 2026 and the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028, making it a crucial stepping stone for elite Japanese marathon runners pursuing international competition opportunities.

What should participants expect regarding weather conditions?

December in Hofu typically brings cool to cold temperatures between 3–10°C (37–50°F). Participants should anticipate possible rainfall and prepare accordingly with winter running attire, including moisture-wicking layers, a windproof jacket, and consideration for waterproof gear. The early morning start time at 10:40 AM means conditions may be at their coldest at the beginning of the race.

What announcements and updates were made before the race?

Key announcements included information about pre-race materials (November 28), photography guidelines from All Sports Community (November 27), pre-race shipment details (November 24 and November 11), publication of participating athletes list (October 24), and the concurrent 26th Japan Women's Visually Impaired Marathon Championship (September 1). The general entry lottery was announced on July 8, 2025.